Macomb student overcomes odds to become RN
Friday, June 06, 2025 12:00 AM
Ashtar “Stella” Saffar is a kind-hearted soul with a passion for helping others. The nursing program at Macomb is the perfect fit for Stella, who aspires to become a registered nurse and later a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).
“From a young age, I have been driven by a passion for helping others,” Stella said.
From Certified Nursing Assistant to Registered Nurse
Stella works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in the Cardiovascular and Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit.
The single mother decided to further her education by attending Macomb to assist even more people in need and provide a better life for herself and her daughter. “I am eager to expand my skills and knowledge to provide care, offer comforting support and healing to those in need,” she said.
Michigan Reconnect Scholarship
Stella has received the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, which allows certain adults ages 21 and older the chance to earn an academic degree or certificate tuition-free at Macomb. Stella has received other scholarships as well, which help pay for books, fees and other costs outside of tuition.
“As a single parent, the scholarships have impacted me tremendously at Macomb. They have offered me stability to continuously study and not have to worry about income,” she said.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, students must be at least 21 years of age when they apply; have lived in Michigan for a year or more; have earned a high school diploma or GED; and have not yet completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Help through support services
Along with taking advantage of the scholarship opportunities available, Stella also appreciates the supportive environment she has at Macomb, particularly through Counseling and Academic Advising.
“As someone with ADHD, the accommodations provided by the Special Services Offices, such as note-taking and test-taking have been instrumental in helping me excel in my classes,” she said.
A bright future lies ahead
Stella has completed her nursing prerequisite classes with a perfect grade point average. She was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and her next step is to apply for the college’s nursing program.
She’s excited to learn more to help others. “Becoming a nurse is more than just a career choice for me; it is a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I am eager to expand my skills and knowledge to provide the highest quality care, offering comfort, support and healing to those in need.”
“From a young age, I have been driven by a passion for helping others,” Stella said.
From Certified Nursing Assistant to Registered Nurse
Stella works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in the Cardiovascular and Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit.
The single mother decided to further her education by attending Macomb to assist even more people in need and provide a better life for herself and her daughter. “I am eager to expand my skills and knowledge to provide care, offer comforting support and healing to those in need,” she said.
Michigan Reconnect Scholarship
Stella has received the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, which allows certain adults ages 21 and older the chance to earn an academic degree or certificate tuition-free at Macomb. Stella has received other scholarships as well, which help pay for books, fees and other costs outside of tuition.
“As a single parent, the scholarships have impacted me tremendously at Macomb. They have offered me stability to continuously study and not have to worry about income,” she said.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, students must be at least 21 years of age when they apply; have lived in Michigan for a year or more; have earned a high school diploma or GED; and have not yet completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Help through support services
Along with taking advantage of the scholarship opportunities available, Stella also appreciates the supportive environment she has at Macomb, particularly through Counseling and Academic Advising.
“As someone with ADHD, the accommodations provided by the Special Services Offices, such as note-taking and test-taking have been instrumental in helping me excel in my classes,” she said.
A bright future lies ahead
Stella has completed her nursing prerequisite classes with a perfect grade point average. She was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and her next step is to apply for the college’s nursing program.
She’s excited to learn more to help others. “Becoming a nurse is more than just a career choice for me; it is a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I am eager to expand my skills and knowledge to provide the highest quality care, offering comfort, support and healing to those in need.”